Valve



Feb. 16, 1937.

Filed Dec. l0, 1934 HAMER 2,070,899

VALVE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 @ya www l.. s. HAMER 21,070,899

Febf. 16, 1937.

VALVE Filed DeC. l0, 1934 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Feb. 16, 1937 PATENT OFFICE VALVE Leland S. Hamer, Long Beach, Calif., assgnor to Hamer Oil Tool Company, Long Beach, Calif., a corporation of California- Application December 10, 1934, Serial No. 756,819

This invention relates to valves and relates more particularly to plug valves or stop cocks. A general object of the invention is to provide a practical, effective plug valve or vstop cock that is capable of handling 'uid under high pressures and that is easy to operate.

There have been many attempts to provide a plug valve or stop cock that is capable of handling fluid under high pressures without leaking and that is easy and convenient to open and close. Stop cocks wherein packing material is em' ployed to seal about the plug are not altogether satisfactory because the packing material cuts away under high pressures and leaks and resists turning of the plug when the plug is forced into the valve opening to prevent such leakage. Plug valves or stop cocks have been introduced having screws or similar means for forcing the tapered plug into the valve body opening to prevent leakage about the plug. The flow controlling plugs of the last mentioned class of valves often become so tightly set or locked that it is very diilicult and sometimes impossible to turn them.

Another object of the invention is to provide a plug valve or 'stop cock that is capable of handling fluid under very high pressures without leakage and in which the iiow controlling plug may be easily turnedv under' any pressure conditions.

stop cock in which the plug may be forced into the body opening as tightly as pressure conditions may require and may thereafter 'be instantly freed for easy turning. j;

Another object of the invention is to provide a plug valve or stop cock embodying a single, simple means or partfor forcing the plug into -the body under various pressures as conditions may require, and for loosening or 'freeing the plug so that it may be easily turned between its op'en and closed positions.

Another object of the invention is to provide a stop cock of the character mentioned in which the plug may be set or locked against movement in the body opening when under very heavy inward pressures or under any degree of pressure as may be necessary.

Another `object of the invention is to provide a stop cock of the character mentioned in which.

the plug may be lubricated to provide a liquid seal and to provide for the easy turning of the plug. v

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved stopcock of the character mentioned embodying'a fluid vpressure actuated seal- Another object of the invention is to provide a` ing means that may be made operative by the lubricant under pressure which lubricates the plug.

Another object of the invention is to provide a stop cock in which the lubricant under pressure 5 for lubricating the plug and for actuating the sealing, means may be supplied from'an external source such as a grease gun or the like, or the lubricant may be put under pressure in a chamber in the plug by the operation of a plunger on the plug.

A further object oithe invention is to provide a stop cock of the character mentioned in which the means for urging or forcing the plug into the body opening and for raising or freeing the plug may be readily lubricated.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical form and application of my invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a vertical or longitudinal detailed sectional view of the valve provided by the present invention with av portion of the body in side elevation. Figs. 2 and 3 are transverse detailed sectional views taken as indicated by lines 2-2 and 3--3, respectively, on Fig. 1, and Figs. 4 and 5 are transverse detailed sectional views taken as indicated by lines 4-4 and 5-5 on Fig. 1.I The plug valve or stop cock of the present in vention includes,rgenerally, a body Il! having a fluid passage II, a plug I2 for controlling the flow through the passage, means I3 for forcing the plug I2 into the body to prevent the leakage of fluid from about the same, and operable to loosen or free the plug for easy turning, a sealing ring I4 for sealing between the plug I2 and body II) and means I5 for lubricating the plug l2 and for actuating the sealing ring I4.

The body I0 is adapted to be interposed in a. pipe line being provided at its opposite ends with suitable means for connecting it with pipes or the like. In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings the opposite end 45 portions I6 of the passage II are screw threaded for the reception of nipples or pipe parts. The fluid .passage II extends through the body from one end to the other and its intermediate portion .may be vertically or transversely elongated as clearly illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4 of the drawings. AAn opening Il extends into what I will term the upper end of the body I0 and intersects the fluid passage II I. The opening Ll is provided to carry the plug I2 and its major portion is tapered in- Cil wardly and downwardly. The plug carrying opening I1 is round in transverse cross section and its longitudinal axis is preferably normal to the longitudinal axis of the fluid passage I I. An integral and imperforate wall I8 of the b ody Ill closes the lower end -of the opening I1. The upper or outer portion I9 of the opening I1 is of enlarged diameter and has a cylindrically curved wall. The walls of the body I0 are preferably comparatively thick and are reinforced by crossed or joined reinforcing ribs 20. l

The plug I2 is arranged in the body opening I1 and is operable to control or cut off the ow of fluid through the body passage II. The plug I2 is an elongate member whose major or principal portion is tapered and of round cross section to fit the opening I1. In practice'the plug I2 may be lapped or ground directly in the opening I1 to insure the perfect even cooperation of its surface with the wall of the opening i1. The plug I2 is provided with a transverse opening 2l which is adapted to register with the fluid passage I I when the plug I2 is in its open position. The opening 2l may be of the same configuration and capacity as the intermediate portion of the fluid passage I I. The inner end portion 22 of the plug I2 may be reduced in diameter and may be cylindrical.

The plug portion 22 and the lower end of the plug I2 have substantial clearance with the adjacent internal surfaces of the body I0. The plug I2 is provided with a cylindrical annular flange 23 which operates in or slidably ts the cylindrical portion I9 of the body opening. The plug I2 projects upwardly or outwardly from the bodyl and is provided at its outer end with a head 24.

The head 24 may be cylindrical in its general configuration and may have' a diametric rib 25 extending across its top and side to indicate the rotative position of the plug I2. In accordance with the invention the head 24 is provided with one or more horizontal or transverse openings 26 to receive a crowbar or other toolfor turning the plug. In the preferred constructionillustrated in the drawings there are two crossed or intersecting openings 26 whereby the plug may be conveniently turned when in different rotative positions. The openings 26 preferably intersect at a point spaced from the central longitudinal axis of the plug I2. A rod, crowbar, orvother tool is adapted to be arranged in either one of the openings 2B for the purpose of turning the plug I2, it being a feature of the invention that heavy turning forces may be applied to the `plug in this manner, and it is never necessary to ham' mer or jar the plug.

In accordance with the invention the head 24 is spaced a considerable distance above vthe upper end of the body I0 and its lower` end forms a downwardly facing shoulder 21 on the projecting portion of the plug I2. The shoulder 21` is iiat and normal to the longitudinal axis of the plug. Means is provided for stopping or limiting the turning of the plug I2 at its full open and closed positions. An arcuate or circumferentially extending groove 28 is provided in the lower portion 22 of the plug. A stop screw 29 is threaded through a transverse opening in the side wall of the body I0 and its inner end portion is received 'in the groove 28. It will be apparent that the end Walls of the groove 28 are adapted to contact the screw-29 to stop the plug in its open and closed positions. The stop screw 29 may be locked` against displacement as illustrated in the drawings.

The means I3 for urging 'or forcing the plug I2 into the body opening I1 to tightly seal with its walls and for raising or freeing the plug for easy turning is a feature of theinvention. The rr'eans I3' is such that the plug I2 may be urged into the opening I1 under pressures which prevent the leakage of fluid but which allow the plug to be turned. In some instances the means I3 may be operated to force the plug I2 into the opening I1 under a very heavy pressure to prevent the'leakage of iiuid when the valve is handling lflui'cl under high pressures. The means I3 is adapted to be set or locked after being adjusted to maintain the desired inward pressure on the plug I2. It is particularly significant II2 for easy turning regardless of the inward pressure that has been exerted on it and regardless of how long the plug has remained set without being operated.

The means I3 includes what I will term `a nut 30 interposed between the flange 23 and the shoulder 21 of the plug I2. The nut 30 is screw threaded into the outer portion of the body opening I1, the threads on the nut and the wall of the opening being comparatively heavy. A flat normal and accurately machined surface 3| is provided on the upper end of the' nut 30 to cooperate with the shoulder 21. A similar flat normal downwardly facing surface 32 is provided on the lower end of the nut. An anti-friction bearing 9 may be arranged between the surface 32 and the iiat upper end of the flange 23. The bearing 9 may be split or sectional so that it may be readily assembled around the plug I2. The nut 30 is proportioned so that its surfaces 3| and 32 properly bear on or cooperate with the shoulder 21 and bearing 9 to allow relative turning between the nut and plug. A lubricant groove or sealing groove 33 may be provided in the shoulder 21. If desired or found necessary an anti-friction bearing may be interposed between the shoulder 21 and the surface 3l. The nut 30 is hollow or provided with an internal chamber 34 for receiving and holding a lubricant. A port 35 is provided in the wall of the nut 30 to communicate with the chamber 34 and is provided. with a-suitable valved fitting 36 whereby lubricant may be supplied to the chamber by a grease gun or lubricating device. 'I'he lubricant in the chamber 34 operates to lubricate the threads of the nut 30 and body Ill and the cooperating surfaces of the nut and plug I2.

In accordance with the inventionthe nut 30 is diametrically split into two like or complementary sections 3l)a and 30h. In the process of splitting or cutting the nut 30 into two sections it is preferred to remove a considerable amount of material of the nut. 3|]a and 30b have opposing pairs of lugs or wings 31 at the line of divisie.; or'separation of the nut. Alignedtransverse openings 38 are provided in one pair of wings 31 to receive a screw 39. A nut 40 is threaded on an end of the screw 39 to clamp the nut sections 30- and 30b together. The opposing inner surfaces of the sections 30*1 and 3Db are flat and machined to accurately or closely fit one against the other. The head of the screw 39 and the nut 40 are preferably countersunk in the wings 31. The nut 40 is preferably castellated and keyed as illustrated in Fig. 3'of the drawings. As initially or normally assembled the sections 3l!a and 3l)b of the nut 30 are tightly clamped together. The pair v of wings `31, diametrically opposite the wings 31 carrying the screw 39, are provided with aligned The sections is'adapted to react against the inner surface of-the opposing wing 31 to spread the nut sections 3l!a and 30".` Theopening 4I in the said opposing wing 31 is of less diameter than the screw 42.

- In manufacturing the nut 30 its several openings maybe drilled and reamed before splitting or dividing it into the sections 3IIa and 39. After splitting or cutting the nut 3l) its sections 30e and 3l)b are clamped together by -the screw 39 and a screw passed through the openings 4I and the nut is then machined and provided with the thread for cooperating with the thread in the body opening I1. When made in this manner the nut 30 has proper cooperation with the body Il) and plug I2 and is adapted to be spread or expanded and locked in position by a slight turning of the screw 42. 'Ihe sections 3l)EL and 38h are each provided with a lug or wing 43 projecting outwardly beyond the head 24 and the adjacent portions of the body III. Tangential or horizontal openings 44 extend through the Wings 43 to receive a crowbar or the like for turning the nut 30.

With its sections 30a and 3l!b tightly clamped together by the screw 39 the nut 30-may be threaded outwardly to free the plug I2 for easy turning. After turning of the plug to the desired position' the nut 3U may be threaded inwardly or downwardly to force the plug I 2 into the opening I1. It is to be understood that the plug I2 may be forced inwardly underany pressure as conditions may require to maintain its surface in tight sealing engagement with the wall of the tapered opening I 1. In' some instances it may be preferred to thread the nut 30 inwardly to a position` where the plug I2 tightly seals with the Wall of the opening I1 and yet may be turned between its open and closed positions without undue effort. In other instances it may be preferred to thread the nut 3l) inwardly to tightly set the plug I2 so that the engagement of its surface with the wall of thev opening I1 positively prevents the leakage of fluid under high pressures and after having set thevplug in this manner the nut may be locked against turning by inward threading of the lock screw 42. The lock screw 42 spreads the nut sections 3|.'Ia and 30b so that their thread tightly binds against the thread of the body III and prevents turning of the nut. The` head of the screw 42 may be provided with openings 45 to receive a lock or other device fo-r locking the screw in position. When it becomes necessary or desirable to raise or free the plug I2 for turning the screw 42 is loosened and the nut 3l) is threaded outwardly to react against the shoulder 21 and thus raise or free the plug.

The sealing ring I4 may be embodied in the valve or stop cock to seal between the plug I2 and the wall of the body opening I1 above the fluid passage II. ,The sealing ring Illis actuated or made operative by fluid pressureand'xnay be actuated by fluid pressure leaking outwardly around the plug I2 to constitute an auxiliary seal or when the valve is provided with the lubricating means I the ring I4 may be actuated by the lubricant under pressure supplied by the means I5. The fluid pressure actuated sealing ring I4 is an annular or continuous member of leather, rubber, or metal.. The ring I4 is substantially U- shaped in transverse cross section, having an up.- per inwardly projecting flange 46 and spaced inner and outer cylindrical portions 41. The flange 46 of the sealing ring is adapted to bearand seal `upwardly against the lower endv of. the ange 23 while the portions 41 are adapted to seal out- .wardly against the wall of the cylindrical portion AI9 of the body opening and inwardly- Aagainst the plug I2. An upwardly and outwardly inclined annular surface 48 connects the major tapered portion I1 of the body opening with. the cylindrical portion I9, and as the adjacent partof the plug I2 is cylindrical a substantial annular groove or space 49 is left in the opening I9 to carry the sealing ring I4. The lower ends ofthe sealing ring portion 41 are preferably bevelled. The sealing ring I4 is adapted to seal outwardly against the wall of the opening portion I9, lnwardly against the plug I2, and upwardly against the flange 23 to prevent the leakage of fluid out' wardly around the plug I2.

The means I5 for lubricating the plug I2 may be omitted or dispensed with when the valve is intended to handle fluids that are contaminated by lubricants in a valve. However, it is preferred to embody the lubricating means I5 in the valve so that it may be used when practical, it being apparent that where easily contaminated fluids are handled the lubricating means need not be operated or charged with lubricant. Two or more longitudinal lubricant grooves 50 are provided in the tapered surface of the plug I2. The grooves 5Ilextend downwardly from points above the inclined surface 48 to an annular lubricant groove 5I in the plug I2 spaced below theuid passage II. The longitudinal lubricant grooves 5U are preferably spa/ced at the rear of the opening 2 I, relative to the direction of opening turning movement of lthe plug I2, so that they are never brought into communication with the fluid passage II. When the grooves 50 are located in this manner very little, if any, lubricant is lost in the fluid passage II.

The means I5 is operable to supply lubricant under pressure to the groove 49 and the grooves 50 and 5I. An opening 52 extends into the plug I2 from the upper end ofits head 25. The opening 52 is in the nature of alubricant reservoir and pressure chamber and is preferably inclined v as illustrated in Fig.' l of the drawings. The, opening 52 is comparatively long and of substantial diameter to contain an ample supply of lubricant. A port 53 connects the lower end of the opening 52 with the space or groove 49. A suitnut 58 may be threaded on the plunger '56 to retain the cup leather 51 in position. The plunger 55 has a long thread whereby it may be threaded a considerable distance into the open.- ing 52 to displace or force the lubricant under pressure into the groove 49. It will be understood how the lubricant under pressure is forced into the groove 49, the grooves 50 and the annular lower groove 5I. A square or flat sided head 59 is provided on the projecting outer end of the plunger 56 to facilitate the turning or operating of the plunger.

In accordance with the invention lubricant may be readily delivered or supplied to the opening 52 without vremoving the plunger 56 and may be forced into the opening 52 under pressure to effectively lubricate the plug I2 and actuate the sealing ring I4. The plunger 56 is tubular, being provided with a longitudinal opening charge of grease. The head 551s preferably provided with a socket 62 for receiving the fitting 6I, The lubricant under pressure may be forced into the chamber or opening 52 from a grease gun or lubricating device to lubricate the plug I2 and actuate the sealing ring I4 and the plunger 56 may be threaded inwardly from vtime to time to maintain the required pressure on the lubricant.

It is believed that the operation of the valve or stop cock will be readily understood from the foregoing detailed description. When the valve is handling fiuid under high pressures it may be preferred or necessary to thread the nut 30 downwardly to force the plug I2 inwardly so that its surface tightly seals with the Wall of the tapered opening I'I to prevent the leakage of fluid from around the plug. It will be understood that the plug may be forced inwardly under the desired or necessary pressures when in the open position, closed position, or an intermediate position. When it is desired to turn the flow controlling plug. I2 a crowbar or the like may be passed through an opening 26 and the operator may apply the required force to the bar to turn the plug. In the event that the plug has become set in the opening I'I or is held inwardly under a heavy pressure by the nut 30 it may be necessary to thread the nut 30 outwardly to shift the plug outwardly and free it for easy turning. The openings 44 for receiving a crowbar or the like facilitate the easy threading of the nut 30. After the plug I2 has been turned to the desired position the nut 30 may be threaded inwardly to tightly force the plug I2 into the opening I'I to positively prevent the .leakage of fluid from around the plug.` If desired the nut 30 may be locked in the adjusted or set position by threading the screw 42 inwardly. A suitable padlock or the like maybe passed through an opening 45 or be engaged with the screw 42 to prevent anyone from opening or tampering with the valve.

It will be understood how inward threading of the screw 42 spreads the nut sections 30a and 3|)b to tightly lock the-nut against rotation. The

nut 30 may be threaded inwardly to exert various pressures on the plug I2 and, therefore, may be adjusted to adapt the valve for the handling of fluid under Various pressures. In some instances it may be practical to adjust the nut 30 to a position where it exerts an inward pressure on the plug I2 suiicient to prevent leakage but which allows the plug I2 to be turned between its open and closed positions. As the nut 3U may be threaded inwardly to exert very heavy inward pressure on the plug I2 the valve is capable of handling uid under extremely high pressures without leaking. Crowbars or other tools of substantial length may be inserted in the openings 26 and 44 whereby the plug I2 and the nut 30 may be easily turned independently of one another and under any operating conditions so that it is never necessary to hammer or strike either the plug or nut. The threads of the body I0 and nut 30 and the contacting surfaces of the nut 30 and plug I2 are lubricated by the lubricant in the chamber 34 and, therefore, the nut is easy to turn. It will be understood how the nut 30 may be threaded outwardly to' easily and quickly free the plug I2 for turning regardless of the inward pressure that may have been exerted on the plug and regardless of the period that the plug may have been .set in vthe opening I1. The nut 30 constitutes a simple,

conveniently operated means for forcing .the

plug into tight sealing' engagement with the wall of the body opening I'I and for freeing the plug for ready turning.

When the character of the fluid handled by the valve or stop 'cock permits, the lubricant may be supplied to the opening 52 by a grease gun or other device which may be connected with the fitting 6I. When the Agrease gun is capable of developing sufficient pressure the lubricant may be forced into the opening 52 to fully pack or supply the groove 49 and the lubricant grooves 50 and 5I. I2 and actuates the sealing ring I4. The plunger 56 may be threaded inwardly from time to time as conditions may require to renew the pressure on the lubricant. In\the event that a lubricating device or grease gun is not available the plunger 56 may be removed and the opening filled or supplied wlth lubricant. The plunger may then be threaded into the opening 52 to place the lubricant under the required pressure. l

The present invention provides a stop cock in which theplug may be easily turned or operated under any pressure conditions and may be'easily set or forced inwardly under sufHcient-pressure to positively prevent the leakage of fluid from around the plug. The valve or stop cock does not involve packing that is quickly cut out by Y which uid may leak.

Having described only a typical form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific form and application herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any modifications or variations that may-appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims:

Having described my invention, I claim:

l. A stop cock including a body having a fluid passage and an opening intersecting the passage, a turnable plug in the opening for controlling the fiow through the passage, the plug having spaced faces, a split nut threaded in the opening adapted to cooperate with said faces to force the plug into and out of the opening, and a screw threaded in an opening in one section of the nut operable to engage the other section of the nut to expand the nut against the wall of the opening and lock it in a selected position.

2. A stop cock including a body having a fluid passage and an opening intersecting the passage, a turnable plug in the opening for controllingthe flowthrough the passage, a threaded member operable to shift the plug longitudinally in both directions, and means for locking the member in a position Where it maintains an inward force on the plug whereby theplug may be turned without unintentionally tightening or loosening the said member.

This, of course, lubricates the plug 3. A valve including a body having a uid passage and an opening intersecting the passage, a tapered plug in the opening for controlling the flow through the passage, a split nut threaded to the body and operable to forcethe plug into the opening, the nutcomprising two connected sections and means for moving the sections of the split nut relative to one another: to lock the nut against turning.

4. A valve including a body having a fluid passage and an opening intersecting the passage, a tapered plug in the opening for controlling the flow through the passage, the plug having oppositely facing shoulders, a split nut threaded in the opening and adapted to cooperate with the shoulders-to shift the plug longitudinally, and means for expanding the split nut to lock it in the opening.

5. A valve including a body having a fluid passage and an opening intersecting the passage, a tapered plug in the opening for controlling the flow through the passage, a split nut threaded into an end of said opening and associated with the plug to shift the same upon being turned, and

A ing.

6. A valve including a body having a fluid passage andan opening intersecting the passage,l

a tapered plug in the opening for' controlling the flow through the passage', a nut threaded into an end of'lthe opening and having shouldered engagement with the plug to shift the same longitudinally, the nut comprising two connected sections whereby it is expansible, and means for expanding the nutto -lock'the same against movement,'said means comprising a screw for spreading the sections.

7. A stop cock including a body having a fluid passage and an opening intersecting the passage, a turnable plug in the opening for controlling the flow through the passage, an operating head on' the plug overhanging an `end of the opening, a nut threaded in the opening and having cooperation with the head and shoulderel engagement with the plug to shift the plug longitudinally upon being turned, and an operating part on the nut projecting outwardly beyond the head to be accessible for engagement.

8. A stop cock including a body having a uid passage and an opening intersecting the passage, a turnable plugin the opening for controlling the flow through the passage, an integral head on the outer end of the plug formed for engagement by a tool for turning the plug, an outwardly facing shoulder on the plug, and a nut between the head and shoulder to cooperate therewith-and threaded `to the body to shift the plug longi- .tudinally. A

9. A stop cock including a body having a fluid passage and an opening intersecting the passage, a turnable plug in the opening for controlling the flow through the passage, a head on the outer end of the plug, an outwardly facing shoulder on the plug, a nut threaded into the opening between the head and the shoulder and adapted to havez axial movement transmitting cooperation with the head and shoulder to shift the plug, the nut being split into two sections, and means for .forcing the sections outwardly to set the nut and plug against movement.

10. A stop cock including a body having a fluid passage and an opening intersecting the passage, a turnable plug in the opening for controlling the flow through the passage, shoulders on the plug, a nut threaded 'into the opening adapted to cooperate with the shoulders to shift the plug longitudinally, the nut surrounding the plug with clearance to leave a lubricant chamber in the nut whose ends directly deliver lubricant to the cooperating surfaces of the nut and the two shoulders, and means for supplying lubricant vto said chamber.

'11. A valve including a ,body having a fluid passage and an opening intersecting the passage, a tapered plug in the opening for controlling the flow through the passage, a nut threaded iito an end of the opening and having shouldered engagement with the plug to shift the same longitudinally, the nutbeing expansible, and means for expanding the nut to resist turning of the same, the said means including a screw for expanding the nut against the wall of the opening.

12. A stop cock including, a body having a fluid passage and an opening intersecting the passage, a turnable plug in the opening for controlling the flow through the passage, a flange on the plug in the body opening, a sealing element cooperating with the inner side of the flange and the wall of the opening for sealing between the body and plug, and a nut threaded in the opening and cooperating with the outer side of the flange to 'force the plug in the opening.

'13. A stop cock including, a. body having a fluid passage and an opening intersecting the passage, a turnable plug in the opening for controlling the ilow through the passage, a flange on the plug in the body opening, a head on the plug at the exterior of the body, a nut threaded in the opening between the flange and head and cooperable with the flange and the head to shift the plug longitudinally in the opening, the head having a diametric opening for receiving a tool for turning the` plug and having a lubricant chamber in communication with the body opening, and a plunger operable in the chamber for f'orcing lubricant tothe body opening.

14. A stop cock including, a body having a fluid passage and an opening intersecting the passage, a turnable plug in the opening for controlling the ilow through the passage, a flange on the plug in the body opening, a head on the plug at the exterior of the body, a nut threaded in the opening between the head and angc operable to shiftl the plug longitudinally, the nut surrounding theplug in spaced relation thereto to leave a chamber for containing lubricant to lubricate the cooperating surfaces of the nut and head and the nut and flange, and means for supplying lubricant to the chamber.

LELANDS.IIZAMER. 

